Gambling looks very different today.
Young people no longer need to walk into a casino. Instead, they can place bets from a phone. They can also follow scores in real time, use fantasy sports apps, or explore prediction markets from home.
For kids and young adults with ADHD, this can create real risk.
In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, I spoke with Saul Malik. Saul shares his personal story of ADHD, sports betting, gambling addiction, and recovery.
His story is honest, powerful, and important for parents to hear.
Why ADHD and Gambling Can Be Risky
ADHD often comes with impulsivity, boredom, big emotions, and a strong need for stimulation.
Because of this, gambling can become very appealing.
Sports betting may feel exciting at first. It may also create a false sense of control. A young person may think, “I know sports, so I can win.”
For Saul, gambling started as something fun and social. It gave him excitement, connection, and a quick dopamine hit.
However, over time, it became harder to stop.
How Gambling Can Escalate
Gambling can grow quickly.
At first, the bets may seem small. Then the amounts may increase. After that, a young person may start hiding money, checking scores often, or borrowing from others.
For Saul, online betting made everything faster. He could bet at any time. He could also bet on games he did not even know existed before.
Therefore, parents need to understand how easy access can increase risk.
A gambling problem may not look obvious at first. It may simply look like a child is very interested in sports, fantasy leagues, or scores.
Warning Signs for Parents
Parents do not need to panic. However, they do need to pay attention.
Watch for signs such as:
Constantly checking scores
Secretive money transfers
Borrowing money often
Lying about money
Losing sleep over games
Big mood swings after wins or losses
Pulling away from school, friends, or family
These signs do not always mean addiction. Still, they are worth noticing.
ADHD Kids Are Not Bad Kids
One of Saul’s most important messages is this:
He was not trying to be a bad person.
Instead, he was struggling with impulse control, shame, fear, and addiction.
That does not excuse harmful behavior. However, it can help parents respond with more clarity.
Kids and young adults need compassion. They also need firm boundaries.
Support Without Enabling
Saul shared that his parents tried to help him. At first, they paid off debts to reduce danger.
Later, they learned that financial bailouts were not helping him recover.
This is a hard lesson for many families.
Supporting a child does not always mean rescuing them from every consequence. Instead, support may mean helping them get real help.
That may include:
Finding a therapist who understands gambling addiction
Connecting with Gamblers Anonymous
Setting money boundaries
Asking direct questions
Staying calm enough for honesty
Getting support as a parent, too
What Parents Can Say
If you are worried, start with a calm conversation.
You might say:
“I’ve noticed you are checking scores a lot. Is there any betting involved?”
“I’m not here to shame you. I want to understand what is happening.”
“If this has gotten bigger than you expected, we can get help.”
Because shame can increase secrecy, try to stay steady. Your child may be more honest if they feel safe enough to tell the truth.
A Hopeful Takeaway
ADHD and gambling can be a risky mix.
However, recovery is possible.
Saul is now more than five years free from gambling. He has turned his story into a mission to educate schools, parents, and young people about modern betting.
His story reminds us that parents need to talk about gambling earlier than they think.
To hear the full conversation with Saul Malik, listen to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.